Easier Access

For getting around Toronto, the better way is becoming the easier way for seniors and persons with disabilities. The TTC is committed to improving access to the conventional system for all its customers. The TTC is everyone’s transit system.

1,498

Number of accessible buses. These are kneeling buses equipped with a flip-ramp or lift. They are identified by blue lights on either side of the front destination sign, and the blue international wheelchair symbol displayed above the front right bumper next to the entrance door. All fully accessible buses include 2 wheelchair/scooter positions.

372

Number of fully accessible T-1 subway cars. Each of these cars has 1 wheelchair/scooter position. T-1 trains run on all three subway lines: B-D, Y-U-S and Sheppard. All subway/rt cars can be boarded by people using wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices.

127

Number of accessible bus routes, including 22 Blue Night routes and 5 Community Bus routes. These routes are served by kneeling buses equipped with a flip-ramp or lift. All fully accessible buses include 2 wheelchair/scooter positions.

28

Number of accessible subway/rt stations, which are equipped with elevators specifically for people using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, other mobility devices or baby strollers. These stations are:

Wheel-Trans

A division of the TTC responsible for door-to-door accessible transit service for people with physical disabilities who have the most difficulty using conventional transit services. Service is provided beyond City limits to the airport, and to established boundary transfer points in order to co-ordinate trips with other accessible door-to-door transit services within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

2008

2007

Increase/(Decrease)

Passenger Trips1

2,114,182

2,017,839

96,343

Average Daily Trips1

5,792

5,528

264

Kilometres Operated1

15,378,008

14,668,255

709,753

Miles Operated1

9,557,494

9,116,380

441,114

Scheduled VehicleService Hours1

655,824

632,827

22,997

Revenue Vehicles1

329

279

50

Number of Registrants

54,847

49,342

5,505

Community Bus

Accessible, fixed-route bus service primarily focused on individuals who have some difficulty accessing the conventional transit system. Wheel-Trans registrants and seniors comprise the majority of customers served. However, all individuals are eligible for the service.

2008

2007

Increase/(Decrease)

Passenger Trips

85,065

85,620

(555)

Average Daily Trips2

326

329

(3)

Kilometres Operated

153,203

153,203

-

Miles Operated

95,216

95,216

-

Scheduled VehicleService Hours

10,269

10,269

-

Revenue Vehicles

5

5

-

Number of Routes

5

5

-

1Includes contract vehicles (accessible taxis and sedan taxis).2Community Bus does not operate on weekends or holidays.

Key Facts

In 2008, the TTC set an all-time record of 466.7 million rides, surpassing 1988’s record of 463.5 million. November 2008 saw the largest TTC service increase on record. More than 100 buses were added to peak period service, reducing crowding levels on busy routes. New evening and weekend service was added so that all bus and streetcar routes operate all day, every day, bringing transit service within a convenient walking distance of all neighbourhoods in Toronto, at all times.

In 2008, the TTC opened Mount Dennis Division/Garage. The TTC’s 7th bus operating complex and is home to over 250 buses and 700 employees.

The TTC is Toronto’s transit system. It’s the better way. More than 11,000 employees serve over 460 million customers annually. With nearly 1.5 million passengers on a typical weekday, the TTC has one of the highest per capita ridership rates in North America.

The TTC serves some 4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area, with a network of subways, streetcars, buses, and a specialized service, Wheel-Trans, for people who require accessible transportation. The TTC is committed to meeting the growing needs of the region with subway and light rail expansion, carrying an additional 175 million riders by 2021.

[Figures are based on TTC loading standards for each mode divided by A.M. rush average automobile occupancy (1.10) for inbound trips to the City of Toronto.]

Busiest streetcar route: 504 King - 56,700 weekday riders.

Busiest bus route: 29 Dufferin - 43,600 weekday riders.

Total number of TTC employees as of December 31, 2008 – 11,861

On the Environment

A simple solution to unlocking gridlock

Cars vs. Transit: In the A.M. rush, it takes 55 cars (average 1.10 automobile occupancy for inbound trips to the City of Toronto) to carry 61 commuters who can otherwise be comfortably seated on 1 ALRV streetcar heading downtown.

TTC Environmental Plan

The TTC Environmental Plan is committed to reducing the environmental impacts from the Commission’s facility and vehicle operations, and will comply with all legal and applicable requirements. The policy addresses all aspects of the business, including:

Transit ridership.

Greenhouse gas reduction.

Energy efficiency.

The 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Responsible purchasing.

Green design and buildings.

TTC eco-friendly facts

Each work day, nearly 1.5 million people ride the system, which results in nearly one million fewer trips by car – that equals less greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2008, the TTC operated 548 diesel/electric hybrid buses; 146 more hybrids will arrive in 2009. Hybrid buses will make up 40 per cent of the fleet by the end of 2009.

In 2008, the TTC diverted 76 per cent of its solid waste from landfills, and plans to increase the diversion rate to 80 per cent by 2010.

The TTC will be putting bike racks on all buses by 2012.

The TTC has successfully tested the use of solar-powered microwave transmitters, and is continuing efforts to purchase at least 25 per cent of its electricity from green sources by 2012.

In 2008, the TTC adopted a Green Procurement Policy, taking into full consideration the environmental footprint of the product or service that is being purchased, without sacrificing safety standards.